Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has defended his government's decision to start negotiation with China for an extradition treaty. Trudeau argued that the decision would help Canada to reach a higher pedestal in its bilateral relationship with Beijing.

Canada's leader said the "strong, robust" relation he is seeking to build with China "allows us to make gains on human rights and consular files."

Like Us on Facebook

Trudeau's defense of extradition-treaty comes as China's Prime Minister Li Keqiang started his four-day visit to Canada on Wednesday. His defense also comes days after the opposition Conservative party strongly opposed the on-going talks for extradition treaty, claiming that Ottawa is making an undue concession to Beijing on the sensitive issue.  

Beijing agreed to deport Canadian convict Kevin Garratt to Canada last week. Garratt's sudden deportation, which came closely on the heels of Trudeau's visit to China, sparked off the speculation that Canada has struck a secret deal with China. However, the Canadian government has strongly dismissed reports of any secret deal.   

Meanwhile, Trudeau on Wednesday sidestepped questions about Chinese secret agents covertly entering Canada to bully Chinese suspects to return home. A report by The Globe and Mail this week claimed that China had resorted to arm-twisting some Chinese suspects to return home after it found that Ottawa was unwilling to cooperate on the issue.

Several western countries including America, News Zealand, and Australia have been hesitant to sign an extradition treaty with China out of concern about the fairness of the country's judicial system and the treatment of prisoners.

The Chinese government has been pushing several countries including Canada for an extradition treaty. Chinese state media has revealed that several western countries have become popular hideouts for Chinese corrupt officials.

TagsJustin Trudeau, Canada, Canada and China, china, China and Canada Extradition Treart